TCOT Sunbathers Diary Extended Chapter 3

Della Street stretched slowly, soaking up the last vestiges of sleep. She then opened her beautiful eyes and yawned. As she became more awake, she looked around the large, well appointed master bedroom and as she did so, a smile began to form on her lips. Della's thoughts went back to the night before and her smile grew larger. "Oh Perry, you really know how to treat a woman. You spoil me Mr. Mason…you always do something or give me something to surprise me when I least expect it…to show me how much you love me…how much you care." Della's eyes brimmed with tears and she quickly wiped them away. Perry had brought her here so they could have some time alone. She knew how hard he had worked to plan this and she wasn't going to let anything…or anyone spoil it for them…at least not now. Della let out a deep breath and sat up in bed. She saw her robe laid out across the foot of the bed. She smiled to herself, realizing that Perry had left it there for her. Just as she finished tying it around her, the door opened and Perry walked in carrying a tray. As their eyes met, he smiled the special smile he kept only for her. He set the tray down on the table next to the bed and then took her in his arms. Looking down at her, he kissed her forehead and said lovingly "Good morning my sleeping beauty," Della looked up at him and put her hands around Perry's neck. "Good morning counselor," she said softly, bringing his face down to hers and kissing him sensually on the lips.

As they broke away, Della pulled back and looked at Perry. With a pretend pout on her lips and in a teasing voice she said "When I woke up, I was all alone…there was this empty space…it was awful…really terrible. I didn't know what I was going to do…I thought I would have to send for a search party to find you."

Perry looked down at Della and laughed "If you must know Miss Street, I was making our breakfast and planning our day which I thought we could talk about as we eat. I did come in a few times to check on you but you were fast asleep. You looked so peaceful and so beautiful I didn't have the heart to wake you. Besides, I love watching you sleep."

"Well in that case I guess I can forgive you" Della stood on her tiptoes and gave Perry a kiss on the lips. She then turned and looked at the tray. "My goodness, you have been busy. It looks like you made enough food for ten people."

Perry laughed and said "I wasn't sure what you would be in the mood for this morning and I thought you would be hungry…uh especially after last night."

Della looked up at Perry with a sultry look. "I'm always hungry darling, but not for food"

Perry put his arms around Della, bent down and softly nuzzled her against her ear. His voice took on a husky tone as he whispered softly to her. "We can always have an appetizer first."

As her face took on a warm blush, Della felt her heart begin to pound and her pulse begin to race. She turned within the circle of Perry's arms and gave him a look that stole his breath. Pulling his face down to hers, Della began to leave soft kisses on his lips. The kisses grew more passionate and Perry responded, pulling her closer into him. They continued to kiss and caress each other, their bodies melding into one. Slowly Perry guided Della over and onto the bed. He gently removed her robe, shed his own clothes, then lay down next to her and tenderly took her in his arms. Sensually, he began to leave soft brush like kisses all over Della's face while letting his hands, caress her body. Della moaned and whimpered, all the while begging Perry never to stop. She ran her fingers through his thick curly hair, up and down his back, around to his broad chest and down to his stomach. They became lost in each other, Della succumbing completely to Perry's will. She felt helpless…as if she were hypnotized… under his spell and she didn't care. Deeper and deeper they went, lost in their own far away paradise.

Much later, after they had finished the warmed up breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen, Perry and Della sat cuddled up on the sofa looking out of the large bay window and talking over their plans for the day. Having arrived the night before in the dark, there wasn't any way to see their surroundings but now, in the daylight the couple were enjoying the view and of course, each other. Not only were there beautiful flora and fauna there were also high thick reeds at the beginning of the gray stone seawall that separated the beach from the house and the two sets of steps that led from the front and back of the wraparound porch added to the charm of the home and easy accessibility down to the beach. The house itself was raised on heavy cinder blocks. This was to allow for a spectacular view of the beach and the blue-green sea beyond while protecting it from any flooding that was caused by heavy rains during the winter season. The property was only three miles from the center of town and although small, Beach Haven, had all the amenities anyone would need. That included a market, bank, shoemaker, drug store, coffee shop, deli, two finer dining restaurants and various shops. There was even a post office, a small hospital and of course a police and fire station. Perry and Della planned to drive there in the late afternoon, do some exploring and shopping then have dinner at one of the restaurants.

As Perry sat holding Della he softly and gently stroked her hair and caressed her face. She was so quiet; he thought she had fallen asleep. Della then sat up and looked at Perry, her beautiful eyes shining with happiness. "Oh Perry," she said, her voice soft, it's so beautiful here…so peaceful. I could stay here forever." Perry looked at Della with a mysterious stare in his eyes. "Do you really like it here that much?" he asked.

"Uh huh," said Della. "It feels like we're in our own private world…away from everything and everyone."

Without saying a word, Perry removed his arms from around Della and stood up. He then went into the bedroom and came back a minute later holding a large manila envelope. He sat down next to Della and took her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips and tenderly kissing it .Brushing the hair away from her face, he smiled at her and said, "I was going to wait till later to give this to you but I think now is the perfect time." Della looked down at the envelope and saw that Perry had written her name on it. She looked back up at him, confusion written on her face. She started to speak but Perry put his finger on her lips to silence her. Quietly he said, "Just open it honey."

Della took the envelope from Perry and opened it. She pulled out what appeared to be a thick legal document. Years of working with Perry had trained Della to be immediately aware of any type of papers of this kind. As she started to read the first page, her hands began to tremble and her body shook. She looked up at Perry, and tried to speak but she couldn't form a coherent sentence. As Perry put his arms around Della, she became completely overwhelmed and began to cry. Perry tenderly pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. He then put his finger under her chin and brought her face up to meet his. As he wiped away her tears with his hand, he pulled back to look at her. He spoke in a soft and gentle voice, trying to quiet and calm her. "Shhhh….sweetheart, don't, it's okay…I thought this would make you happy…I'm sorry…I didn't mean to make you cry."

Della looked up at Perry, her eyes still brimming with tears. She began to speak, her voice quivering and so soft that she could hardly be heard. "Oh Perry…I can't believe this…how did…why…why did…you bought…bought this…for me? This…this is too much…I don't… I don't deserve…" Della never had a chance to finish. Perry bent over and left a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. When they broke and pulled away, Perry wrapped Della up in his arms and held her until he felt her stop shaking and her breathing returning to normal. Then he pulled away again and said "Della, I bought this house for you…for us so that we would have a place to come to when things got crazy and we needed some time alone. I also thought it would be a perfect weekend retreat and a nice little getaway that offers a lot of privacy and obscurity. The time alone with you is so precious. I wanted something that would afford us just that….a place we can come and be out of the public eye….a place where we can be ourselves and be by ourselves…or have company if we want." Perry then looked deep into Della's beautiful eyes and said seriously, "My beautiful Della, I never want to hear you say you don't deserve this. You deserve this and more. Do you know what you have brought into my life? What you have given me? I love you more than anything else in this world. You are the most important person in my life." Perry then smiled at Della and said "I'm still holding out hope that one day you'll say 'yes' when I ask you to marry me."

Della looked away from Perry and said in a whisper, "If you asked me again, I couldn't even if…" She stopped, realizing she had said too much, hoping that Perry hadn't heard it …but he had. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check and staying calm for Della's sake. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her into oblivion…until she told him the truth…and that she would indeed marry him. Instead, knowing that something was bothering her and how upset she seemed, he gently turned her face to his and asked quietly "Della, darling, did I just hear you right? Are you saying that you will marry me?"

Della began to cry again. Between her tears she said "Oh Perry, please…please don't ask me that. I... can't… I don't deserve this…or you. I'm sorry." Della then got up and ran into the bedroom, throwing herself across the bed, sobs racking her body. Quickly, Perry got up and followed her. He sat down beside her and tenderly took her in his arms, holding her close. He rubbed her back all the while, trying to comfort her. "Shhh, baby, baby, its okay. Shhh…shhh…shhh…"He continued to hold her, letting her cry. When finally she stopped, she looked up at Perry and took a deep breath. He smiled down at her, gently brushed the hair from her face and wiped her tears away with the back of his hand. Softly and calmly he asked, "Better?" Della nodded her head and started to say something but Perry put his finger on her lips. In a soft voice asked, "Sweetheart, now do you want to tell me what's wrong…what is bothering you?"

Della looked up at Perry and shook her head no. She said in a barely audible voice, "I will Perry…I want to…I just need a little more time. Please, please be patient with me."

"Oh darling, of course I will. Della, listen to me," Perry gently lifted her face so that he could look into her eyes. "I love you so much. All I care about is your happiness. I want to take care of you and protect you for the rest of your life. Do you trust me?"

Della looked lovingly at Perry, put her hand on his face and said softly, "You know I do."

"Then please tell me what has you so worried and upset. I can't help you if I don't know what's going on. So promise to tell me soon, okay?"

Della put her head on Perry's chest and said, "I promise." Raising her head and looking into Perry's eyes, she said, "I love you so much Perry. I never could have dreamed of meeting a man like you."

Perry looked down at Della and smiled. He kissed her softly on the lips and said, "and I could have never dreamed of falling in love with a woman like you. I love you, Della. Now, how about if I bundle you up and we take a walk on the beach? Then we can come back and get ready to go into town."

Della put her arms around Perry's neck and brought his face down to hers. "That, Counselor, sounds wonderful. Just give me a few minutes and I'll be ready to go."

As Perry watched Della walk away the smile left his face and he said to himself, "Yes, sweetheart, tell me very soon." A hundred scenarios were playing out in his mind… and none of them were any good.

Sunset found Perry and Della seated at a corner table on the top floor of The Rusty Scupper Restaurant. They had a beautiful view of the beach and the vibrant colors of the brilliant sunset shining its rays down on the glistening water made for a magnificent view. They had already placed their order and were enjoying a glass of Chardonnay while waiting for their dinner to arrive. The restaurant had been built to look like an old whaling ship that had been used at the turn of the century and with its wooden planked floors and the rustic beams, it gave the eatery quite an authentic look. Long time patrons called it the Scupper for short and with its reputation for great food, good music, its ambiance as well as a wonderful staff, it was one of the most popular spots in town.

As the handsome attorney and his beautiful secretary were enjoying their surroundings, Perry couldn't keep his eyes off of Della. Even though he could see the underlying worry in her eyes, she looked beautiful. She was dressed in a soft wool, deep plum dress and low heeled shoes. Over the dress was draped the beautiful burgundy print scarf that Perry had bought her for Christmas. She also wore the simple but gorgeous onyx and gold earrings and matching bracelet that had been another one of his gifts.

Sitting at the table, Perry held Della's small, delicate hands in his large, strong ones while at the same time softly stroking her arm up and down while she continued looking out the window at the beautiful scene.

"Oh Perry," she said, her voice soft, "isn't this the most breathtaking thing you've ever seen?"

"No" Perry said, his voice low and slightly husky, "I see a more breathtaking sight everyday"

For a moment, Della seemed not to have heard him. Then she turned and looked at him, noticing the smile he gave her and the look that was in his eyes. She felt a warm blush on her face and tenderly took Perry's hand, brought it to her lips and softly kissed it. She then looked at Perry and said quietly, "You know, Counselor, sometimes you seem to have a one track mind, but thank you and thank you for doing this…I mean everything…this weekend and the house…it's so wonderful…you …you spoil me so…" Della's brilliantly beautiful eyes began to tear and her voice quivered.

Perry gently put his finger on her lips and said tenderly "shhh, darling, believe me this is all my pleasure and as for spoiling you, I love doing it and I intend going right on doing it for the rest of your life." Then for a moment, Perry's voice took on a slightly more serious tone. Still holding Della's hand in his, he said, "Sweetheart, I know you're worried about whatever it is you have to tell me but don't be. You know I'll do whatever I can to help you. Whatever the problem is remember you don't have to solve it alone. I'll be here for you…always. Seeing the tears run down Della's face he gently wiped them away with the back of his hand. Quickly changing the subject to more of a romantic nature he moved his chair closer to her and whispered in her ear, "Now suppose you let me feed you, then hold you close in my arms while we dance and then take you home and make you forget everything but me."

With her eyes sultry and her voice seductively low Della looked at Perry and said, "I always forget about everything and everyone when I'm with you darling."

Hours later, the dining and dancing part of their evening over, Perry and Della walked up the steps of the beach house, smiling, Perry's arm around Della, holding her close to him. As they approached the front door, their smiles faded and a curious look came over their faces. There, taped on the door, was a plain white envelope with Della's name typed on the front. Perry quickly opened the door and he and Della went inside. Perry helped Della off with her coat, and then shed his as well. Della opened the envelope and read what was printed on the note inside. Noticing her hands begin to tremble, Perry took the note from her. There, typed on the paper read the words, "You only have one more week----then your time is up."

Della's face lost all its color. She looked up at Perry, the blood rushing to her head. As the room began to spin and everything went black, the last thing Della remembered were Perry's arms reaching out to her.

Della opened her eyes and looked at Perry. He was sitting on the edge of the couch holding her hand. She sat up, shaking and pale, and Perry took her in his arms. He held her for a minute then reached over to the table and got her a glass of water. She took a few sips and then gave the glass back to Perry. Her voice trembled as she asked, "What…what happened?"

Perry smiled at her and tenderly brushed the hair away from her face. Quietly he said, "You read the note then you went out like a light."

Della's face paled even more as realization came over her. As a frightened gaze came into her eyes, she looked at Perry and said in a voice filled with fear, "Oh my God Perry that means…that means whoever is doing this is following me…following us."

Perry leaned over and took Della in his arms leaving a sweet, tender kiss on her lips. In his softest, most gentle voice he asked "Della, sweetheart don't you think that now would be a good time to tell me what is going on?"

Della pulled away from Perry and looked into his eyes. Although she was frightened, she knew Perry would keep his word and take care of everything. She took a deep breath and said in a barely audible tone, "Yes…yes now I'll tell you everything."

Perry took her in his arms and held her tight to him. He put his face to hers and with his voice almost in a whisper said, "Thank you…thank you honey. Just take your time and start when you're ready. You'll see once you tell me you'll feel much better."

Della looked lovingly at Perry and gently put her hand on his face. Taking another deep breath she began to tell Perry the whole story.

"Perry, the day I came to work for you was the best day…the happiest day of my life. I fell in love with you right then and there but I knew any kind of personal relationship would be inappropriate and I didn't want to lose my job before I had it. As the days and weeks went on I thought that my feelings for you would go away but they didn't…they only grew stronger. I did everything I could to hide them from you. I didn't have anyone to talk to. My family and friends were all back home and I didn't feel that the friendships that I was making here were close enough that I could share my feelings. Besides you know how people talk and there is always so much publicity surrounding you anyway. I just couldn't add to that. I respected you too much….loved you too much. I know that you cherish your privacy…that's one of the things that I love about you…your humility and how unpretentious and down to earth you are. So even though I wanted to tell you how I felt, I knew I couldn't. I felt that was my way of taking care of you…of protecting you. So…I did something silly, like a kid would do. I bought a diary. I thought it would be a way of letting my feelings be known without you or anyone else finding out. I started the entries a few weeks after my first day. In the beginning, I only wrote about how I felt about you…how I knew for sure that I was in love with you, how wonderful and kind you were…how you were so handsome that you took my breath away. Then I started to write about the way you were with your clients and how you defended them and the chances you took for them. How you stood by them no matter what. If that wasn't enough I wrote about some of the cases we had…the details and all. I know now how wrong that was…I should have never started that diary…that stupid diary. The worst part of this whole mess is that something that I thought was so innocent has turned into horrible trouble for you. This is why I don't deserve you…this is why I don't deserve anything. You trusted me and I broke that trust. It's as if I lied…I'm a fraud and a fake …and now…now somehow, someone, got into my apartment, stole the diary and if I don't give them $100,000 by next week they said their going to take it to those awful rag magazines and have the whole thing printed!!!!"

Della stopped talking and took a deep breath. Without looking at Perry she sighed deeply, put her head in her hands and began to cry, her whole body shaking. Without saying a word, Perry stood up, bent down and gathered Della up in his arms. He carried her into the bedroom and sat down on the bed with her still in his arms. As he held her, he spoke softly and gently in an effort to quiet and calm her. Shhh, Shhh, Shhh… my baby, it's alright now everything will be alright…don't cry darling, please don't cry." Perry then lifted Della's face up to meet his, tenderly wiping her tears away with his hand and lightly brushing the hair away from her face. He continued to hold Della close to him, her head now on his chest. He rubbed her back and shoulders until he felt her body go limp. Looking down at her, he thought perhaps she had fallen asleep…but she was awake. In a very small voice he heard her say, "I'm sorry Perry…so…so sorry. Perry again brought Della's face up to meet his, holding his hand under her chin firmly but gently so that she couldn't turn away. Looking deep into her eyes he said, "Della, you have nothing to be sorry for. You did nothing wrong. All you did was write down your feelings in a little book that you thought no one would ever see. As far as I'm concerned you didn't break any trust, you didn't lie and for you to even think you're a fraud and a fake is so far removed from the truth it would be funny were it not for the fact that you're so upset. If anything you did everything possible to hide your feelings not show them and just the fact that you wanted to protect me means more to me than you could possibly know. If I loved you before and I did, what you just told me makes me love you all the more. I can only imagine how hard it was for you." Perry then smiled and said lovingly, "would you like to know a secret, Miss Street?" Della nodded yes and Perry continued. "My darling as hard as it was for you it was just as hard for me. You would come to work every day looking so beautiful, just like you do now, doing anything and everything you could to help me. You never complained and you were so sweet, and I would go crazy because all I wanted to do was take you in my arms, tell you how I felt and then make love to you until you were spent. Della, sweetheart, don't you know by now how I feel? I couldn't live without you. You're everything to me. I love you so much I don't even know how to express to you, show you how much."

Della looked at Perry in amazement and with all the love she felt for him shining in her eyes. She asked hesitantly, "You're not angry with me? You don't want me to leave so you could get another secretary?"

Perry smiled at her as he said softly, "The only person that I'm angry with is the creep that broke into your apartment. He put his face next to hers and in a voice filled with emotion said, "All I can say is thank God you weren't home when he was there…and Miss Street, if you left me, I would move heaven and earth to find you. Don't' ever think that I wouldn't."

Della put her arms around Perry's waist and hugged him as hard as she could, holding onto him as if she would never let go. "Oh Perry" she said, "I love you so much….and you're right…I do feel so much better now that you know everything. I wanted to tell you. I just didn't know how and..."

Perry gently put his finger on Della's lips to silence her. He kissed her the top of her hair and said softly, "I'm glad you told me too honey. …and don't worry, everything will be alright…it will be fine, just fine. Now how about if you lie back and close your beautiful eyes and rest. You must be exhausted... I'll put you to sleep and hold you in my arms all night, ok?"

"Mmmm…sounds wonderful counselor." Della's voice was already beginning to sound groggy.

Perry gently maneuvered Della off his lap and lay her down on the bed. He took her in his arms and covered her with the quilt. He tenderly stroked her hair and lightly caressed her face, while speaking in a soft, low voice. "Shhh…It's alright now baby, you're safe……let go…don't think about anything just let go …have beautiful dreams. I'm right here shhh..shhh..shhh, sleep now."

Della's eyes closed and Perry felt her completely relax against him. In less than a minute she was sound asleep.

As gently and softly as he could so as not to awaken her, Perry bent down and kissed Della on the lips. Looking at her tears came to his eyes as he thought how frightened and worried she had been and that through it all the only thing that mattered to her was protecting him. Perry pulled Della closer to him and wrapped his arms tighter around her. Overwhelmed with admiration and love for this beautiful woman, Perry began to formulate a plan in his mind…a plan that would quickly end this nightmare for Della…for both of them. Maybe then she would agree to marry him and they could have the future he so desperately wanted…